Apparatus for capturing movements of a person using the apparatus for the purposes of transforming the movements into a virtual space

ABSTRACT

Apparatus for detecting movements of a person using the apparatus for the purpose of transforming the movements into a virtual space, comprising a seat (110; 210; 410), sensors which detect the movements of the feet of the person using the apparatus, and cyber foot covers (50a; 50b; 50c; 50d) for receiving at least one of the sensors. The seat (110; 210; 410) comprises a support member (103; 203) adapted in that a seat element (105; 205), on which the person using the apparatus can sit, is attachable to an upper portion of the support member (103; 203) and in that the load of the seat element (105; 205) is received substantially along a vertically arranged longitudinal axis of the support member (103; 203) and transferred downwards to a ground. The seat (110; 210; 410) is rotatably arranged relative to the ground and is shaped such that at least a movement of the legs from the knee to the distal end of the legs of the person using the apparatus is allowed. The cyber foot covers (50a; 50b; 50c; 50d) each have a sole (58; 71) and fastening means (61; 62; 74; 76) with which the cyber foot covers (50a; 50b; 50c) can be fastened to the legs of the person using the apparatus. The sole (58; 71) of the cyber foot covers (50a; 50b; 50c; 50d) is curved so as to allow a continuous sliding rolling movement of the feet of the person using the apparatus during movement of the legs of the person using the apparatus.

BRIEF SUMMARY

The invention concerns an apparatus for detecting movements of a personusing the apparatus for the purpose of transforming the movements into avirtual space. The apparatus comprises a seat which is rotatablerelative to a ground and on which the person using the apparatus cansit, the seat being designed to allow at least a movement of the legsfrom the knee to the distal end of the legs of the person using theapparatus, and sensors which detect the movements of the feet of theperson using the apparatus. The invention also concerns a system fordetecting movements of a person using the system and transforming themovements into a virtual space. The system contains the inventiveapparatus and is arranged to convert the movements of the feet detectedby the sensors into a synchronous, direction-identical andspeed-identical locomotion of a virtual avatar in virtual space, wherebythe virtual avatar can be represented in a virtual space displayed on adisplay means.

Document U.S. Pat. No. 9,329,681 B2 discloses a system for detectingmovements of a person using the system and for transforming themovements into a virtual space in which the person can move in thesystem in an upright posture by walking. The system consists essentiallyof a substructure with a concave base which serves as a contact surfacefor a person using the system and a frame for fixing and stabilizing theperson using the system in the pelvic area. The pelvic area is fixedwith a belt that surrounds the pelvis. This can give the person a highsense of security.

In the case of the system known from document U.S. Pat. No. 9,329,681B2, however, it has proved to be disadvantageous that an “entry” intothe system and an “exit” from the system is very uncomfortable due tothe frame and the belt and therefore time-consuming for the person.

Patent U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,078 A discloses a system for capturingposition information and displaying a virtual space based on theposition information. The system comprises a computer, a base and achair, whereby parts of the chair may be changed in position by the userof the system in relation to the base. These changes are recorded by ameasuring apparatus. The system further has a monitor attached to thechair that moves with the chair. Joysticks are attached to the chair ormonitor. The signals captured by the joysticks and the positionmeasuring apparatus are evaluated by the processor and converted intothe virtual space displayed on the monitor.

As a result, the system known from U.S. Pat. No. 5,515,078 A does notdirectly record the movements of the person using the system, but themovement of the elements of the chair or joystick that changes theperson's position. Immersion of a person using a system refers to theperson slipping into a virtual body/avatar. There is only minorimmersion given in this case, if at all.

Utility model DE 202007011704 U1 discloses an apparatus for controllingflat or three-dimensional objects which can be displayed on a display bymeans of a sensor apparatus which detects movements or loads exerted ona seat by a user and/or the movement or loads exerted by a foot of theuser. In particular, the sensor apparatus is configured to detect amovement, position, height, acceleration and/or inclination of the seatsurface and/or various positions or orientations of the user's foot. Thesensor apparatus for recording the positions and orientations of thefoot is implemented by a three-dimensionally resilient rocker, which ischanged in its position by changing the pressure on the foot.

Consequently, even with this apparatus, the movements of the personusing the apparatus are not directly detected, but the movement ofelements is detected that move the person. Compared to theaforementioned system, the advantage is that the foot can also be usedas an input apparatus, but this only occurs as long as the foot standson the sensor apparatus. A detection of foot movements when the footdoes not stand on the sensor apparatus is not described because therocker cannot move with the foot. Minor immersion of the person usingthe system is therefore also given in this case, if at all.

The problem underlying the present invention is to provide an apparatusfor detecting movements of a person using the apparatus, in which themovements of the person, in particular the legs or feet of the person,are directly detected, in which the use of fixation means embracingparts of the body is avoided and in which, nevertheless, a large degreeof freedom of movement of all the limbs of the person using theapparatus is given.

In accordance with the invention, the problem of the present inventionis solved by an apparatus in that the apparatus comprises a seat havinga support member, the support member being adapted in that a seatelement, on which the person using the apparatus can sit, is attachableto an upper part of the support member, and in that the load of the seatelement is received substantially along a vertically arrangedlongitudinal axis of the support member and transferred downwards to aground, wherein the seat is rotatably arranged relative to the ground,and wherein the seat is designed to allow at least a movement of thelegs from the knee to the distal end of the legs of the person using theapparatus. The apparatus further comprises sensors which detect themovements of the feet of the person using the apparatus and cyber footcovers for receiving at least one of the sensors, wherein the cyber footcovers each have a sole and fastening means with which the cyber footcovers are attachable to the legs of the person using the apparatus, andwherein the sole of the cyber foot covers is curved so as to allow acontinuously sliding rolling movement of the feet of the person usingthe apparatus during movement of the legs of the person using theapparatus.

The invention also concerns a system comprising the apparatus accordingto the invention, wherein the system is adapted to convert the movementsof the feet detected by the sensors into a synchronous,direction-identical and speed-identical locomotion of a virtual avatarin virtual space.

The invention also relates to a method for manufacturing the apparatusaccording to the invention comprising the steps: providing the seat withthe support member that is adapted to attach a seat element to the upperportion of the support member, providing the sensors, and providing thecyber foot covers.

For the sake of simplicity and clarity, the person using the apparatusor system is abbreviated as person.

In preferred embodiments of the invention, the apparatus comprises aseat with a seat element attached to the upper part of the supportmember.

When using the apparatus according to the invention, the person sits atleast partially on the seat, wherein, depending on the shape of the seatelement of the seat, at least a movement of the legs from the knee tothe distal end of the legs of the person is possible. For example, aseating element with a flat seat surface, such as a normal chair or anoffice chair, essentially only allows the legs to move from the knee tothe distal end of the legs. The person's upper thighs are essentiallyresting on the seat.

A saddle-shaped seat element, for example, gives the person's legsgreater freedom of movement, while the freedom of movement can bemaximized with a saddle-shaped seat element. The person's upper thighslie only slightly or not at all on the seat surface when sitting and thesitting position is much more upright than when sitting on a flat seatsurface. The legs can essentially be moved holistically, with theperson's legs only slightly bent in the resting position. Theoretically,the seat can be further reduced from the shape of a bicycle saddle,which further increases the freedom of movement of the legs, but nolonger provides seating comfort.

Preferably, the seat element is arranged in such a way that the person'supper thighs do not essentially rest on the seat element or do notpredominantly rest on it. Alternatively, the person may achieve thisresult by changing the sitting position on a flat seat surface so thatthe upper thighs can be moved as freely as possible.

The seat is equipped with a backrest and/or an armrest to increase thesafety of the person.

Preferably, the support member is arranged along its longitudinal axissubstantially below the center of gravity of the seat element. In someembodiments, the support member is arranged along its longitudinal axisessentially in the middle below the seat element.

Preferably, the support member allows the seat to rotate in relation tothe ground. For this purpose, the upper part of the support member isrotatable in relation to the lower part of the support member. Thesupport member may be length-adjustable to adjust the seat height.

The support member preferably comprises a gas pressure spring. The gaspressure spring can be rotated about its longitudinal axis and isadjustable in length.

Preferably, the apparatus according to the invention includes a standwhich holds the support member and connects it to the ground. The standmay be a part of the support member.

Preferably, the apparatus according to the invention is arranged in sucha way that the stand does not restrict the legroom granted by the seatto the person. In some embodiments, the apparatus is configured suchthat a base portion of the stand, which provides the stability of theapparatus, is disposed below a person's tread surface around the seat.Alternatively, the tread surface may be implemented as a base portion ofthe stand.

In some embodiments, the invented apparatus includes a casing coveringat least a base portion of the stand. The casing has a recess forpassage of the support member and a means for fixing the stand. Thetread surface is arranged on the upper side of the casing, so that thecasing functions as a pedestal, the laminar expansion thereof beingdetermined at least by the required freedom of movement for the person'slegs.

In some embodiments, a swivel chair is used as a seat, for example anoffice swivel chair, whereby the stand corresponds to the cruciform baseof the swivel chair. In order not to restrict the legroom by thecruciform base, the cruciform base of the swivel chair is preferablycovered with the casing and fixed inside the casing. The fixing isparticularly advantageous if the cruciform base of the swivel chair isfitted with rollers.

For a good walking feeling it is mandatory that the seat height allows aslight bending of the legs. Depending on the height of the person, theintended length of the support member may not be sufficient to preventthe legs from bending too much. In some embodiments, the apparatus has asupport member with a length different from the standard dimensioning.Alternatively, the apparatus may be implemented so that the existingsupport member may be replaced by a support member of a differentlength. In other embodiments, at least one additional support member,e.g. a longer gas (pressure) spring, is attached to the apparatus forreplacement.

In order to simulate the person's walking feeling as realistic aspossible, the apparatus according to the invention features cyber footcovers which are put over the person's feet. The sole of the cyber footcovers is curved, allowing the person's feet to move continuously. Thecurvature of the sole is adjusted according to the shape of the seat andtherefore according to the freedom of movement of the person's legs. Thecyber foot covers advantageously comprise of any types of shoes, sandalsor socks. These can either be pulled directly over a person's foot orpulled over an already worn sock and/or shoe.

The apparatus preferably comprises a tread surface arranged around theseat in such a way that the person's feet can roll over the treadsurface. The tread surface may rest on the ground. Alternatively, thetread surface is arranged on a platform, for example, a casing forcovering those parts of the apparatus which provide the stability of theapparatus and otherwise restrict freedom of movement if they werearranged above the tread surface.

If the ground or the tread surface around the seat is smooth, the solesof the cyber foot covers are advantageously covered with a textile inthe form of a carpet. If the ground or the tread surface has a surfaceimplemented by a textile, for example, a carpet, it is advantageous thatthe sole is particularly smooth and made of metal and/or plastic, inparticular PE, PEHD, POM or PA. This has the advantage that despitephysical contact between the cyber foot cover and the ground, the legsor feet of the person can be moved without great effort and that thesystem is very quiet.

The movements of the person, in particular the legs or feet, aredetected by sensors which are arranged decentralized with respect to theperson and/or by sensors which the person wears on his body in anoperating mode. The sensors arranged decentralized with respect to theperson may, for example, comprise of at least one optical sensor, inparticular at least one infrared based optical sensor. In this context,active and/or passive motion capture markers are attached to theperson's clothing and/or to the cyber foot covers. With active motioncapture markers, it is also possible that only one light laser unit isattached externally to the person, whereby this is implemented to emitvarious light pulses. The light pulses are captured by the active motioncapture markers, which may be used to calculate the person's movements.Sensors carried by the person on the body may include, for example,magnetic sensors, acceleration sensors, proximity sensors and/or opticalsensors. Magnetic sensors, acceleration sensors, proximity or distancesensors and/or optical sensors in the cyber foot covers areadvantageous. It is also possible that the tread surface or ground ispressure-sensitive.

The advantages of the apparatus according to the invention are that thesitting posture allows a safe sitting position and an essentially freemovement of the legs and free movement of the hands. The apparatusaccording to the invention does not require the person to be supportedby his hands and by additional fixation means wrapped around body partsto stabilize the person. As a result, the comfort of getting into andout of the apparatus is also very high and the person can move his handsfreely. In the system according to the invention, the person essentiallyonly has to sit down or stand up. This also has the advantage thatpeople do not have to be instructed on the apparatus, but can use itintuitively.

The sole of the cyber foot cover may contain at least one rollingelement. The at least one rolling element is advantageously implementedby a roller or a sphere and is supported by bearings in the cyber footcovers. Preferably, a rotation angle of the at least one rolling elementis detected by means of a rotation angle sensor, in particular a Halleffect sensor. This has the advantage that the at least one rollingelement reliably detects a speed of the cyber foot cover when the footis placed on the ground, and the speed is zero when the foot is liftedfrom the ground after the at least one rolling element has run out. Inthis context, the cyber foot cover has advantageous adjusting elements,for example, in the form of adjusting screws or foam pads, which act onthe at least one rolling element as a brake. A run-out time of the atleast one rolling element is adapted to a position of the at least onerolling element on the sole. The greater the distance between the tip ofthe person's foot and the rolling element, the longer the decelerationtime.

If each of the cyber foot covers have only one rolling element, this ispreferably located near a rear third part point of the underside of thesole of the cyber foot cover. The rolling element preferably protrudesabout 2 millimeters over a smooth rounded underside of the sole of thecyber foot covers. This has the advantage that the cyber foot covers canglide easily on a ground or tread covered with carpet or other textile.A carpet or textile has the advantage of having a pile height such thatthe rolling element can easily press itself into the carpet, so that therolling element has the longest possible contact with the ground ortread surface when the person walks.

It is an essential feature of the invention that the curvature of thesole of the cyber foot cover, whether in longitudinal or transversedirection, is matched to the design of the seat. The slightly elevatedsitting position of the person as compared to a conventional chair meansthat when the legs are moved, a feeling of walking can be establishedeven though the person is sitting. In contrast to a conventional chair,only a slight angulation of the person's legs is given and thus a highdegree of mobility of the upper thighs is achieved, just like whenwalking. As the stability of the person is achieved by sitting, thecyber foot covers may be adjusted to a particularly smooth rollingmotion, because the performed walking movement does not have to serve tosupport the stability of the person. The cyber foot cover and seat thusinterwork in a synergistic manner and allow the apparatus to be usedwithout the use of fixation means wrapped around parts of the body.

It is important that the movements detected by the sensors aretransferred into virtual reality in real time in order to experience thevirtual reality as particularly real and close to the body. If theconversion of the movement of the person using the system is inaccurate,delayed or strongly abstracted, nausea (VR nausea) occurs in many peopleafter a short time when using the system. Preferably, a linearconnection is established between the movement of the legs and themovement in virtual space, whereby the experience is particularly directand real.

In addition, the advantages of the inventive system are that a forwardand/or backward movement in virtual space may be triggered directly bythe person's feet moving forward and/or backward. Whereby the forwardand/or backward movement of an avatar in the virtual space is onlycarried out when the ground is in contact with a real foot movement.

In some embodiments, the inventive apparatus is implemented as a kitthat can be assembled by an assembler.

This allows the assembler to integrate a provided seating element intothe fixture. The inventive method of manufacturing an apparatus fordetecting movements of a person using the apparatus may therefore beextended by the following preparatory steps: Providing the seat element,and mounting the seat element on the upper part of the support member.

The seat element represents a seat surface which the fitter can removefrom an existing seat and mount on the support member of the apparatusaccording to the invention. The inventive method of manufacturing anapparatus for detecting movements of a person using the apparatus may beextended by the following preparatory steps: Providing a seat with theseat element, and removing the seat element from the seat.

In some embodiments, the kit can be assembled using a seat provided. Theseat provided may be a swivel chair with a base, the base of the seatprovided corresponding to the stand of the apparatus. Preferably, thekit intended to include a seat provided shall include a casing coveringany elements restricting the freedom of movement of the person's legsbelow the tread, such as the base. The tread surface is arranged on theupper side of the casing so that the casing functions as a pedestal, thearea of which is defined at least by the required tread surface. Thecasing has a recess for the support member and a means for fixing thestand.

The inventive method of manufacturing an apparatus for detectingmovements of a person using the apparatus, including a seat provided,comprises the following steps: providing the seat, which may beimplemented as a swivel chair with a base, and placing the casing on thestand so that the casing covers at least a base portion of the stand,for example, the base of the seat, the supporting element of the seatbeing guided through the recess of the casing.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE SEVERAL VIEWS OF THE DRAWINGS

Further advantageous embodiments of the inventive apparatus and theinventive system are explained in more detail in the following figures:

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of the inventivesystem in operating mode during use by a person, wherein a seat elementof a seat of the system has the shape of a bicycle saddle.

FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show, in perspective view, steps of assembling partsof the embodiment of the system as shown in FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the inventivesystem in operating mode during use by a person, wherein a seat elementof a seat of the system has the shape of a saddle.

FIGS. 4a to 4c show, in different perspective views, an embodiment ofcyber foot covers.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the cyber foot cover according to FIGS. 4ato 4 c.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the inventivesystem in operating mode during use by a person, wherein a seat elementof a seat of the system has the shape of a saddle.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of the inventivesystem in operating mode during use by a person, wherein a seat elementof a seat of the system has the shape of a saddle.

FIGS. 8a to 8c show steps in perspective when assembling parts of theembodiment of the system as shown in FIG. 3 or the system as shown inFIG. 7.

FIG. 9 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of a cyber footcover.

FIGS. 10a and 10b show, in a lateral perspective, the principle of awalking movement on a seat of the system according to FIG. 3, FIG. 6, orFIG. 7.

FIG. 11 shows a general embodiment of the inventive system and a personusing the system.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of theinventive system in operating mode during use by a person, wherein aseat element of a seat of the system has the shape of an office seat.

FIG. 13 shows another general embodiment of the inventive system and aperson using the system.

FIG. 14 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the cyber footcover.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

FIG. 1 shows a perspective view of a first embodiment of inventivesystem 100 in operating mode during use by a person, wherein a seatelement 105 of a seat 110 of system 100 has the shape of a bicyclesaddle. System 100 also includes a tread surface 104 resting on ground,cyber foot covers implemented by sandals 50 b, and central control means10 for controlling a display means indicating a virtual space. Thedisplay means can be implemented by 3D glasses 14, at least a display orat least a beamer.

System 100 may further include a central control means 10 implemented bya computer or a game console, the central control means 10 comprising aninput unit 11 as shown in FIG. 1 in simplified form. Input unit 11 canbe, for example, implemented by a touch display, a mouse, at least onejoystick, at least one controller and/or a keyboard. Central controlmeans 10 is arranged at system 100 externally to a display meansdisplaying a virtual space and to cyber foot covers. However, it is alsopossible that central control means 10 is arranged in at least one ofthe cyber foot covers and/or in the display means. The display means ispreferably implemented as 3D glasses 14.

Non-shown sensors are arranged in sandals 50 b, wherein signals from thesensors are transmitted to central control means 10 via a radio network13 by means of non-shown microcontrollers arranged in sandals 50 b.Central control means 10 converts the received signals into a virtualspace and changes a display in 3D glasses 14 accordingly. 3D glasses 14and central control means 10 are connected via radio network 13 forcommunication.

In another embodiment, seat 110 has an armrest and/or a backrest. Thesafety of the person using system 100 can be increased by the armrestand/or the backrest.

FIGS. 2a, 2b and 2c show, in perspective view, steps in assembling seat110 of system 100 according to FIG. 1. Seat 110 includes seat element105, support member 103 and a stand 101. Preferably, support member 103is a gas (pressure) spring. Stand 101 has a curvature 102 andaccommodates support member 103, preferably on a lower part of supportmember 103. Stand 101 serves to stabilize seat 110 and has anadvantageous diameter so that seat 110 stands up stable without tiltingon the ground. There is also the possibility that stand 101 can bescrewed and/or glued to the ground and/or that stand 101 has suctioncups or Velcro strips to securely connect stand 101 to the ground. Anupper part of support member 103 can be connected to seat element 105 bymeans of a plug connection which is not shown in detail. Seat element105 has the shape of a bicycle saddle and can be moved relative to stand101 via support member 103 by means of a lever 106. This has theadvantage that seat 110 can be adapted to a person's height. Inaddition, support member 103 permits rotation of seat element 105relative to stand 101, wherein a non-shown rotation angle sensormeasuring the rotation may be arranged in support member 103. Therotation angle sensor arranged in support member 103 can also be coupledto central control means 10 via radio network 13. Before seat element105 is mounted on support member 103, tread surface 104 of system 100 asshown in FIG. 1 is put over support member 103, wherein support member103 is passed through a hole arranged in the tread surface 104. Treadsurface 104 is provided with a textile in the form of fabric or a carpeton its surface. In a further embodiment, tread surface 104 is providedwith a foam material on its surface.

The use of a bicycle saddle as seat element 105 has the advantage thatthe person sitting on the seat element 105 has very good legroom. Seatelement 105 is very narrow in this embodiment, whereby the narrower seatelement 105 is, the lower the seating comfort for the person is.

In a further embodiment, support member 103 is arranged by anelectrically controllable actuator.

FIG. 3 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of the inventivesystem 200 a in operating mode during use by one person. In contrast tosystem 100 shown in FIG. 1, system 200 a has a seat 210 which has a seatelement 205 implemented by a saddle with backrest. In addition, a stand201 of seat 210 has a different shape as compared to stand 101 of seat110 shown in FIG. 1. Stand 201 is shown in FIG. 8a . A tread surface 204of system 200 a is correspondingly adapted to a shape of stand 201. As aresult of the shape of seat element 205, a sitting position of theperson on seat 210 is different as compared to a sitting position of theperson on seat 110 of system 100 as shown in FIG. 1, whereby the saddleshape of seat element 205 can give the person a higher feeling of safetywhen using system 200 a.

FIGS. 4a to 4c show, in a perspective view, sandals 50 b of system 100according to FIG. 1 or system 200 b according to FIG. 3 in detail.Sandals 50 b each comprise a non-shown acceleration sensor and a rollingelement 56 having a non-shown rotation angle sensor, wherein rollingelement 56 is arranged on an underside of a sole 71 of sandals 50 b. Therotation angle sensor is implemented by a Hall effect sensor.

Sole 71 of sandals 50 b is curved, whereby the curvature in longitudinaldirection 72 is convex. In some embodiments, sole 71 is also convex intransverse direction 73. Sole 71 may have a front region 52 inlongitudinal direction 72 and a rear region 51, whereby a radius of theconvex curvature of sole 71 in the front region 52 of sole 71 is largerthan in the rear region 51 of sole 71. This has the advantage that theperson can roll the feet continuously gliding over the tread surface ora floor despite limited mobility of the legs, in particular the upperthighs, because of the seat element. Sole 71 may have lateral regions 54in the transverse direction 73 and a central region 53 between thelateral regions. The lateral regions 54 can be stronger curved than thecentral region 53. Depending on the embodiment and covering of a groundor floor, it may be advantageous to at least partially provide thelateral regions 54 with a layer or elements having a higher coefficientof friction than a surface of the centrally arranged region 53. This hasthe advantage that the person may change direction quickly and easily,and the feet of the person can still rotate easily on the stand. Inanother embodiment, it may be advantageous that the lateral regions 54have longitudinal ribs which run in longitudinal direction and protrudefrom the sole 71.

In one embodiment, sandals 50 b each have a heel strap 74 which is fixedto sole 71. Furthermore, sandals 50 b may have additional straps 76 toattach sandals 50 b to the person's feet. The additional straps 76 areshown in FIG. 5.

Conveniently, sole 71 is 12 mm to 48 mm thick. However, it should benoted that sole 71 may also be up to 50% lower or up to 200% higher. Theoptimum height of sole 71 is preferably adjusted according to a shape ofthe seat element. A high sole 71 is particularly advantageous if theseat element is implemented as an armchair or office chair with a wideseat. See FIG. 12. Preferably, the person wearing a sandal 50 b with alow sole does not wear extra shoes and if it does, it is advantageous ifthe extra shoe is as flexible as possible.

FIG. 5 shows a side view of the cyber foot cover 50 b according to FIGS.4a to 4 c.

FIG. 6 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of an inventivesystem 300 in operating mode during use by one person. Unlike system 200a shown in FIG. 3, system 300 has no tread surface. Sandals 50 c differfrom sandals 50 b shown in FIGS. 4a to 4c in that one sole of sandals 50c is covered with a textile, especially a carpet. Support member 203,which may be implemented as a gas (pressure) spring, is anchoreddirectly in a ground implemented by a floor, the floor having a verysmooth surface with a low coefficient of friction. The floor isimplemented, for example, by a parquet floor.

FIG. 7 shows a perspective view of another embodiment of inventivesystem 200 b in operating mode during use by a person. Seat 210 ofsystem 200 b is arranged in the same way as seat 210 of system 200 aaccording to FIG. 3. System 200 b differs mainly from system 200 aaccording to FIG. 3 in the design of the sensors. The sensors of system200 b are implemented by optical sensors 220 a arranged decentralizedwith respect to the person and by proximity sensors implemented insandals 50 a. Sandals 50 a have no rolling element and are shown indetail in FIG. 9. Optical sensors 220 a are configured to detect themovements of the person and, in particular, the movements of theperson's legs by means of laser triangulation 221 a.

FIGS. 8a to 8c show, in perspective view, steps in assembling seat 210of system 200 a according to FIG. 3 and system 200 b according to FIG.7. Seat 210 consists of stand 201, a support member 203 which may beimplemented as a gas (pressure) spring, and saddle 205. Stand 201 has aslightly conical shaped rim 202 into which support member 203 isinserted, wherein support member 203 is fixed in stand 201 by a weightof the person. In tread surface 204, a recess is provided on theunderside into which the stand 201 fits. This has the advantage thattread surface 204 may lie flat on a floor and no edges are formed thatwould interfere with the walking movement. A lever 206 may be attachedto saddle 205, by means of which seat element 205 may be adjusted inheight via support member 203. Tread surface 204 is also advantageouslyprovided with a carpet on its surface.

FIG. 9 shows a side view of sandals 50 a of system 200 b after FIG. 7 indetail. Sandals 50 a feature a heel strap 61 made of aluminum or plasticand two additional straps 62. The additional straps 62 are flexible andadjustable in length. In addition, sandals 50 a comprise passive motioncapture marker 59, distributed along sandals 50 a, feature a non-shownmicrocontroller and non-shown proximity sensors. The proximity sensorsdetect a distance between sandals 50 a and tread surface 204, wherebysignals from the proximity sensors are transmitted via themicrocontroller to central control means 10. Thanks to motion capturemarker 59, system 200 b has a very high accuracy. A sole 58 of sandal 50a is curved according to sole 71 of sandal 50 b shown in FIGS. 4a to 4b. Accordingly, sandals 50 a, as shown in sandals 50 b in FIGS. 4a to 4c, have a front region 21 and a rear region 51 in the longitudinaldirection, whereby a radius of a sole 58 of sandals 50 a is larger inthe front region 52 than in the rear region 51.

Sole 58 has a very low coefficient of friction on its underside, whichmeans that no rolling element is required for this embodiment of thecyber foot cover. Depending on the application, however, it may still beadvantageous to partially coat sole 58 of sandals 50 a with elements ora coating that increases the coefficient of friction. An upper side ofsole 58 is provided with a layer 60, which has a very high coefficientof friction. Layer 60, for example, is implemented by rubber. This hasthe advantage that sandal 50 a is better fixed to one foot of theperson.

In another embodiment, sandals 50 a feature active motion capturemarkers, which are controlled by the microcontroller in sandals 50 a. Insandals 50 a with active motion capture markers, optical sensors 220 aare advantageously not implemented by sensors, but by laser light units.The laser light units are configured to output various static and/ordynamic light pulses.

In a further embodiment, further motion capture markers are attached tothe person's clothing.

FIGS. 10a and 10b show, from a lateral perspective, the principle of awalking movement utilizing seat element 205 of system 200 a as shown inFIG. 3, system 300 as shown in FIG. 6 or system 200 b as shown in FIG.7. During a walking movement utilizing seat element 205, the personmoves the knee joint from a position Ka to a position Kb, indicated hereby the left foot. At the same time as this movement, the person rollshis left foot over the ground, tightening the ankle joint, seedifference between angle Wa and Wb.

FIG. 11 shows a general embodiment of the inventive system and a personusing the system.

FIG. 12 shows a perspective view of a further embodiment of inventivesystem 400 in operating mode during use by a person, wherein system 400differs from system 100 according to FIG. 1 only with regard to seatelement 405. Seat element 405 has the shape of an office seat and has aflat seat surface. System 400 also has a tread surface 404.

FIG. 11 shows how a movement of a person using the system is transferredto an avatar moving in a virtual space.

Depending on the embodiment, the speed of the person's feet is recordeddifferently. In systems 100, 200 a, 300 and 400, the speed of the feetis determined by means of the rolling elements and Hall effect sensorsinstalled in the cyber foot covers.

In system 200 b, the speed of the feet is measured using sensor 220 a.The additional proximity sensors installed in sandals 50 a determinewhether the person has made contact with tread surface 204 by means ofsandals 50 a or not. The information is continuously transmitted viaradio network 13 to central control means 10. In central control means10, the information is processed in such a way that in the case of anon-ground contact, the speed of the respective sandal 50 a is set tozero and in the case of a ground contact, the speed is set according toa value currently detected by the 220 a sensors. As shown in FIG. 11using arrows V1 and V2, both the left sandal 50 a and the right sandal50 a have ground contact at the shown moment. At this moment, the speedof the left sandal 50 a is higher than the speed of the right sandal 50a.

Depending on the embodiment, a direction vector R[X, Y, 0] of anintended direction of movement of the person may be detected by means of3D glasses 14, by means of the rotation angle sensor in the gas spring103 and/or by means of an alignment of the cyber foot covers.

When determining the direction vector R[X, Y, 0] by means of 3D glasses14, a viewing direction B[X,Y,Z] of the person is permanently recordedby 3D glasses 14. 3D glasses 14 is preferably implemented by standard 3Dglasses 14. Viewing direction B[X,Y,Z] is continuously transmitted tocentral control means 10. In central control means 10, the Z componentof the viewing direction B[X,Y,Z] is set to zero and the components Xand Y of the direction vector R[X,Y,0] are calculated using analgorithm. This is the simplest way to determine a person's intendeddirection of movement.

When determining the direction vector R[X, Y, 0] by means of therotation angle sensor, the direction vector R[X,Y,0] is determined viathe alignment of the seat element relative to the ground or to the treadsurface. The alignment of saddle 205 corresponds to the alignment of theperson's pelvis. By determining the direction vector R[X,Y,0] via theorientation of the seat element, an advantage is obtained that an evenmore real movement in the virtual world is simulated for the person.

When determining the direction vector R[X, Y, 0] via the alignment ofthe cyber foot covers, both the current position of the cyber footcovers and the current alignment of the cyber foot covers arecontinuously detected by central control means 10.

In a further embodiment, the acceleration of the cyber foot covers isalso continuously recorded by acceleration sensors.

Using the determined data of V1, V2 and R[X,Y,0], a movement of theavatar is performed during each calculation pass through the centralcontrol means 10 as follows:

-   -   From speed V1 and V2 a speed of the person is calculated        according to the following formula:

V=MAXIMUM VALUE(|V1|,|V2|)*SIGN(V1+V2)*(−1);

-   -   A distance D to be covered is calculated from V by multiplying V        by a time interval between two calculation passes. Furthermore,        the distance D to be covered may be multiplied by a correction        factor k (e.g. for a necessary conversion from centimeters to        meters). Formula:

D=V*(time difference between calculation passes)*k;

-   -   From the distance D and the direction vector R[X,Y,0], a        translation vector T[X,Y,0] is calculated by calculating an        amount of the direction vector R[X,Y,0] for the length of the        distance D. The translation vector T[X,Y,0] is calculated from        the distance D and the direction vector R[X,Y,0]. I.e. a        negative distance D causes a reversal of the direction obtained        from the direction vector R[X,Y,0], a positive distance D causes        this direction to be maintained. Preferably, the speed of the        person is converted to the distance covered by a graphics        software of central control means 10. In this respect, it is        advantageous that a directed average speed is transferred to the        graphics software instead of the translation vector T[X,Y,0].    -   For each calculation pass, the avatar is moved by the        translation vector T[X,Y,0] or according to the directional        average speed.    -   In addition, the movement of the avatar may be smoothed with        already known algorithms. In addition, there is the possibility        that the avatar is limited and/or guided in its movements by        means of standard software calculation. This may be used to        simulate gravity or collisions. The viewing direction of the        avatar is controlled according to the usual methodology        according to the viewing direction captured by 3D glasses 14.

FIG. 13 shows another general embodiment of inventive system 500 and aperson using the system 500. System 500 features cyber foot covers andis equipped with a seat 110 as shown in FIGS. 2a-2c . The system mayalso have a central control means 12 and a virtual display means, forexample, in the form of 3D glasses. The seat may also be implemented inaccordance with a seat of another embodiment described herein or beimplemented by a combination of elements of the seats described herein.Central control means 12 is arranged in the right cyber foot cover, butmay also be arranged in the left cyber foot cover, in the virtualdisplay means, or in a proprietary housing.

FIG. 13 shows how a person using the system causes the avatar to movelaterally, forward/backward and/or rotate and/or curve in virtual space.In this context, the movements of the feet of the person and the speedsof the feet of the person, respectively, are broken down at least into Xand Y coordinates, advantageously into X, Y and Z coordination, and/orrespective rotations about these axes, wherein a forward/backwardmovement of the feet substantially corresponds to the Y components, alateral movement substantially corresponds to the X component and amovement along the vertical substantially corresponds to a Z movement.The coordinate system shown in FIG. 13 is a fixed-foot coordinatesystem, whereby for simplicity's sake only one of fixed-foot coordinatesystems is shown in FIG. 13.

The X component and Y component of the movement of the person's feet arerecorded advantageously as follows:

by means of at least one rolling element arranged in a sole of the cyberfoot cover, wherein a rotation of the at least one rolling element isdetected by at least one rotation angle sensor. The rotation anglesensor may be implemented by an optical sensor, such as a laser, or amagnetic sensor, such as a Hall effect sensor. Preferably, at least onerolling element is implemented by a sphere or by an all-side roller. Itis advantageous to additionally attach a load sensor to at least onerolling element, which detects a load applied to at least one rollingelement;

by means of at least one optical sensor arranged decentralized withrespect to the person and corresponding to system 200 b in accordancewith FIG. 7, which detects at least the movements of the feet. With atleast one decentralized arranged optical sensor, a Z component of themovement of the person's feet may also be detected;

by means of at least two position sensors, one position sensor in eachcase being arranged in a cyber foot cover. The position sensorsdetermine their position advantageously by means of reference pointsarranged around the system;

and/or

by means of at least two optical sensors, wherein one optical sensor isarranged in each cyber foot cover. The optical sensors, for example, maybe optical sensors which are also used in computer mice.

Based on the detected X and Y components of the person's feet movements,the central control means determines whether the person wants to movelaterally, forward/backward, rotate or to walk along a curve. In thisrespect, at least one proximity sensor and/or at least one pressuresensor per cyber foot cover is advantageously arranged in the cyber footcovers. Expediently, the at least one proximity sensor and/or at leastone pressure sensor is arranged in longitudinal direction of the cyberfoot covers in the front region of the sole of the cyber foot covers.Specifically, the at least one proximity sensor and/or pressure sensoris arranged in a region of the cyber foot cover which, when the personwears the cyber foot cover, is located in the area of the ball of theperson's foot.

In order to improve the distinction of the central control means betweenlateral movements, forward/backward movements, rotary movements orcurved walk movements, it is also possible to detect rotary movements ofthe feet around the Z-axis. This may be done, for example, by opticalsensors arranged externally to the cyber foot covers and/or two opticalsensors and/or rolling elements and/or position sensors arranged on acyber foot cover. By means of external optical sensors arranged to thecyber foot covers, it is also possible to detect the rotation of theperson's feet around the X-axis and Y-axis.

The conversion of the movements of the feet of the person using thesystem to the movements of the virtual avatar in virtual space iscarried out by central control means 12 according to at least one of thefollowing criteria:

Size of the X component of the movement of the person's feet in relationto the Y component of the movement of the feet. If the Y component ofthe movement of the person's feet is approximately zero and an Xcomponent is present, the virtual avatar is moved laterally. If the Xcomponent of the movement of the person's feet is nearly zero and a Ycomponent is present, the virtual avatar is moved forward/backward.

Rotation of the feet around the Z axis. A rotation of the feet about theZ-axis during a walking movement is a strong indicator that the personwants to cause the virtual avatar to perform a curved walk movement.

Size of the X component of the movement of the person's feet in relationto a rotational movement of the person sitting at the seat. If an Xcomponent is present and the person is essentially seated at the seatand does not rotate relative to the ground, i.e. a rotation of theperson's pelvis is approximately zero, the virtual avatar is movedlaterally. If an X component is present and the person is seated at theseat and performs a significant rotational movement relative to theground, i.e. a significant rotation of the person's pelvis is detected,the virtual avatar is caused to rotate about its own axis. The rotationof the center of the body is advantageously determined by the at leastone decentralized arranged optical sensor and/or by a rotation of theseat element 105 relative to a ground by a rotation angle sensor on seat110. The rotation angle sensor is advantageously attached to supportmember 103.

Pressure force on the sole of the cyber foot cover. A pressure force onthe sole in the front region of the cyber foot covers in the area of theperson's ball of foot and a rotation of the person's body center abouthis own axis is a strong indicator that the person wants to cause thevirtual avatar to make a rotation.

If rolling elements are present in the cyber foot covers, the rollingelements are loaded. In the event of a high load on the rolling elementsand the presence of an X component of foot movement, the virtual avataris caused to rotate. With a low load, i.e. a load of approximately zeroon the rolling elements and the presence of an X component of the footmovement, the virtual avatar is caused to move laterally.

Distance of particular regions of the sole of the cyber foot covers tothe base. If there is a distance between the front region of the cyberfoot covers in the area of the person's ball of foot and the base, andif there is an X component of the movement of the person's feet, thevirtual avatar is moved laterally. If a distance between the frontregion of the cyber foot covers in the area of the person's ball of footand the base is zero and an X component of the movement of the person'sfeet is present, the virtual avatar is caused to rotate.

Position of the legs. If the person's legs are essentially angledrectangular and an X component is present, the virtual avatar moveslaterally. If the person's legs are essentially stretched and an Xcomponent is present, the virtual avatar is caused to rotate. Theposition of the legs is determined advantageously by at least oneexternally arranged optical sensor and/or the position sensors.

A cyber foot cover with a rolling element in the form of a sphere 77 anda proximity sensor 78, for example, is implemented in the form of asandal 50 d in FIG. 14. Sandal 50 d is otherwise substantially the samein construction as sandal 50 b in FIG. 4b , with parts which are thesame in sandal 50 d as the parts of the sandal 50 b in FIG. 4b havingthe same reference signs.

It should also be noted that elements and embodiments of cyber footcovers, seats, sensors, etc. of one embodiment may also be combined withother embodiments as desired. Any type of seat, cyber foot cover orsensor may be used in all apparatuses according to the invention insteadof the described embodiment.

In addition, it should also be noted here that the fixed-foot coordinatesystem described for inventive system 500 according to FIG. 13 alsoapplies to all other embodiments described herein. It should also bementioned in this context that the description of system 500 accordingto FIG. 13 also applies to all other embodiments described here, wherebythe cyber foot covers of systems 100, 200 a, 300 and 400 are implementedwith a rolling element corresponding to cyber foot covers 50 d accordingto FIG. 14, an optical sensor, and/or a position sensor.

Preferred embodiments of the invention are specified in the followingenumerated example embodiments (EEE):

EEE 101. A system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400) for detecting movementsof a person using the system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400) andtransforming the movements into a virtual space, comprising

a seat (110; 210; 410) on which the person using the system (100; 200 a;200 b; 300; 400) sits and which is rotatably arranged relative to aground and shaped such that at least a movement of the legs from theknee to the distal end of the legs of the person using the system (100;200 a; 200 b; 300; 400) is enabled,

sensors which detect the movements of the person,

a display means (14) displaying a virtual space, and

a central control means (10) connected to the sensors and the displaymeans (14) for communicating and changing the virtual space displayed bythe display means (14) depending on the signals of the sensors,

characterized in that

the system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400) comprises cyber foot covers (50a; 50 b; 50 c) having a sole (58; 71) and fastening means (61; 62; 74;76) with which the cyber foot covers (50 a; 50 b; 50 c) are attachableto the legs of the person using the system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300;400),

the central control means (10) is configured to convert the movement ofthe legs detected by the sensors into a synchronous, direction-identicaland speed-identical locomotion of a virtual avatar in virtual space, and

the sole (58; 71) of the cyber foot covers (50 a; 50 b; 50 c; 50 d) iscurved so as to allow a continuously sliding rolling movement of thefeet of the person using the system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400, 500)during movement of the legs of the person using the system (100; 200 a;200 b; 300; 400; 500).

EEE 102. The system (100; 200 a; 300; 400) according to EEE 101characterized in that at least one rolling element (56) is arranged inthe sole of the cyber foot cover (50 b; 50 c).

EEE 103. The system (100; 200 a; 300; 400) according to EEE 102characterized in that the sensors comprise at least one rotation anglesensor, in particular a Hall effect sensor, which detects a movement ofthe at least one rolling element.

EEE 104. The system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400) according to any oneof EEE 101-103 characterized in that the curvature of the sole (58; 71)of the cyber foot covers (50 a; 50 b; 50 c) is convex in a longitudinaldirection of the sole (58; 71).

EEE 105. The system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400) according to EEE 104characterized in that the sole (58; 71) of the cyber foot cover (50 a;50 b; 50 c) has a front region (52) and a rear region (51) in thelongitudinal direction, wherein a radius of the convex curvature of thesole (58; 71) is larger in the front region (52) of the sole (58; 71)than in the rear region (51) of the sole (58; 71).

EEE 106. The system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400) according to any oneof EEE 101-105 characterized in that the curvature of the sole (58; 71)is convex in a transverse direction, and wherein the sole (58; 71) haslateral regions (54) in the transverse direction and a region (53)arranged centrally between the lateral regions (54), wherein the lateralregions (54) of the sole (58; 71) are arranged such that they have ahigher coefficient of friction than the centrally arranged region (53).

EEE 107. The system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400) according to any oneof EEE 101-106 characterized in that the sensors comprise proximitysensors, acceleration sensors, magnetic sensors, and/or optical sensors,wherein the sensors are arranged in the cyber foot covers (50 a; 50 b;50 c).

EEE 108. The system (200 b) according to any one of EEE 101-107characterized in that the sensors comprise at least one optical sensor(220 a), in particular an infrared-based optical sensor, which isarranged decentralized in an operating mode with respect to the personusing the system (200 b), wherein the at least one optical sensor (220a) detects the movement of the person using the system (200 b).

EEE 109. The system (200 b) according to EEE 108 characterized in thatactive and/or passive motion capture markers (59) are attached toclothing of the person using the system (200 b) and/or to the cyber footcovers (50 a).

EEE 110. The system (200 a; 200 b; 300; 400) according to any one of EEE101-109 characterized in that the seat (210; 410) has a backrest and/orarmrests.

EEE 111. The system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300) according to any one of EEE101-110 characterized in that the seat (110; 210) comprises a seatelement (105; 205) substantially having the shape of a bicycle seat or asaddle.

EEE 112. The system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400) according to any oneof EEE 101-111 characterized in that at least one of the cyber footcovers (50 a; 50 b; 50 c) and the ground is provided with a textile,wherein the other of the cyber foot covers (50 a; 50 b; 50 c) and theground (104; 204; 404) has a surface with a low coefficient of friction.

EEE 113. The system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 400) according to any one of EEE101-112 characterized in that the system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 400) has atread surface (104; 204; 404) which is arranged around the seat (110;210; 410) and rests on the ground.

EEE 114. A method for converting a movement of a person using the system(100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400) according to any one of EEE 101-103 to anavatar moving in a virtual space, comprising the steps of:

-   -   detecting, with the sensors, a speed of the legs, in particular        the feet, of the person using the system (100; 200 a; 200 b;        300; 400);    -   detecting a direction vector of an intended direction of        movement of the person using the system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300;        400) by means of the sensors;    -   determining a distance covered in a time interval in the        direction of movement; and    -   moving a virtual avatar according to the direction vector and        the determined distance.

EEE 201. A system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400; 500) for detectingmovements of a person using the system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400;500) and for transforming the movements into a virtual space, comprising

a seat (110; 210; 410) on which the person using the system (100; 200 a;200 b; 300; 400; 500) sits and which is rotatably arranged relative to aground and shaped such that at least a movement of the legs from theknee to the distal end of the legs of the person using the system (100;200 a; 200 b; 300; 400; 500) is supported,

sensors which detect the movements of the person,

a display means (14) displaying a virtual space, and

a central control means (10, 12) connected to the sensors and thedisplay means (14) for communicating and changing the virtual spacedisplayed by the display means (14) depending on the signals of thesensors,

characterized in that

the system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400; 500) comprises cyber footcovers (50 a; 50 b; 50 c; 50 d) having a sole (58; 71) and fasteningmeans (61; 62; 74; 76) with which the cyber foot covers (50 a; 50 b; 50c) are attachable to the legs of the person using the system (100; 200a; 200 b; 300; 400; 500),

the central control means (10, 12) is configured to break down themovement of the feet of the person using the system (100; 200 a; 200 b;300; 400; 500), as detected by the sensors, into at least an X componentand a Y component and to convert them into a synchronous,direction-identical and speed-identical locomotion of a virtual avatarin virtual space, wherein an X component substantially corresponds to alateral movement of the feet and wherein a Y component substantiallycorresponds to a forward/backward movement, and

the sole (58; 71) of the cyber foot covers (50 a; 50 b; 50 c; 50 d) iscurved so as to allow a continuously sliding rolling movement of thefeet of the person using the system (100; 200 a; 200 b; 300; 400, 500)during movement of the legs of the person using the system (100; 200 a;200 b; 300; 400; 500).

EEE 202. The system (500) according to EEE 201 characterized in that atleast one rolling element is arranged in the sole of each cyber footcover (50 d), wherein the at least one rolling element is implemented bya sphere (77) or an all-side roller and wherein the sensors per rollingelement comprise at least one rotation angle sensor, in particular aHall effect sensor, which detects a movement of the at least one rollingelement.

EEE 203. The system (500) according to EEE 202 characterized in that thesensors comprise at least one load sensor per cyber foot cover, whereinthe at least one load sensor is configured to determine a load appliedto the at least one rolling element.

EEE 204. The system according to any one of EEE 201-203 characterized inthat the sensors comprise position sensors, optical sensors, magneticsensors, and/or gyrometers, wherein at least one position sensor, atleast one optical sensor, at least one magnetic sensor, and/or at leastone gyrometer is arranged in each cyber foot cover.

EEE 205. The system (200 b; 500) according to any one of EEE 201-204characterized in that the sensors comprise at least one optical sensor(220 a), in particular an infrared-based optical sensor, which isarranged decentralized in an operating mode with respect to the personusing the system (200 b), wherein the at least one optical sensor (220a) detects the movement of the person using the system (200 b; 500).

EEE 206. The system (500) according to any one of EEE 201-205characterized in that the sensors comprise pressure sensors and/orproximity sensors (78), wherein at least one pressure sensor and/or atleast one proximity sensor (78) is/are implemented per cyber foot cover(50 d) and wherein the at least one pressure sensor and/or the at leastone proximity sensor (78) is/are arranged in a longitudinal direction ina front region (52) of the cyber foot cover (50 d).

EEE 207. A method for controlling movements of a virtual avatar with asystem (500) according to EEE 205 or EEE 206, characterized in that thevirtual avatar is controlled, by the central control means (12), to movelaterally upon detecting, by the sensors, an X component of themovements of the feet of the person using the system (500) and upondetecting a distance between a front region (52) of the cyber foot cover(50 d) and the ground.

EEE 208. The method according to EEE 207 characterized in that the cyberfoot cover (50 d) is controlled, by the central control means (12), torotate the virtual avatar laterally upon detecting, by the sensors, an Xcomponent of the movement of the feet of the person using the system(500) and upon detecting a zero distance between the front region (52)and the ground.

EEE 209. The method according to EEE 207 or EEE 208 characterized inthat the virtual avatar is controlled, by the central control means(12), to move laterally in the presence of at least one rolling elementand a load sensor which determines the load on the at least one rollingelement, and upon detecting, by the sensors, an X component of themovement of the feet of the person using the system (500) and upondetecting a load on the at least one rolling element of approximatelyzero.

EEE 210. The method according to any one of EEE 207-209 characterized inthat the virtual avatar is controlled, by the central control means (10;12, to move laterally upon detecting, by the sensors, an X component ofthe movement of the feet of the person using the system (500) and upondetecting, by the sensors, that the person using the system (500)sitting at the seat is performing substantially no rotational movementrelative to the ground.

EEE 211. The method according to any one of EEE 207-210 characterized inthat the virtual avatar is controlled, by the central control means(12), to move laterally upon detecting, by the sensors, an X componentof the movement of the feet of the person using the system (500) andupon detecting a Y component of substantially zero.

EEE 212. The method according to any one of EEE 207-211, characterizedin that the virtual avatar is controlled, by the central control means(10; 12), to move laterally upon detecting, by the sensors, an Xcomponent of the movement of the feet of the person using the system(500) and upon detecting, by the sensors, substantially rectangulartilted legs.

1. A cyber foot cover for use in a system for detecting movements of aperson using the system, the cyber foot cover comprising: a foot coverfor receiving one or more sensors or at least one marker to trackmovement of a foot of the person using the system, fastening means withwhich the foot cover is attachable to a leg of the person using thesystem, and a sole which has a bottom surface that is curved towards alledges of the sole so as to allow a continuously sliding rolling movementof the foot over a ground in forward, backward, and lateral directions.2. The cyber foot cover according to claim 1 characterized in that thesole has a front region and a rear region in a longitudinal direction,and wherein a radius of a curvature of the sole along the bottom surfaceof the sole towards the edges in the front region of the sole is largerthan in the rear region of the sole.
 3. The cyber foot cover accordingto claim 1 characterized in that the sole has lateral regions in atransverse direction along the bottom surface of the sole and a centralregion arranged centrally between the lateral regions, wherein thelateral regions of the sole have bottom surfaces that are more curvedalong the bottom surface of the sole towards their respective edges thanthe central region.
 4. The cyber foot cover according to claim 3characterized in that the lateral regions of the sole are arranged suchthat they have a higher coefficient of friction than the central region.5. The cyber foot cover according to claim 3 characterized in that thelateral regions have longitudinal ribs which run in a longitudinaldirection along the bottom surface of the sole and protrude from thesole.
 6. The cyber foot cover according to claim 1 characterized in thatthe sole is smooth and made of at least one of metal and plastic, andwherein the sole is adapted to be covered by a textile when the cyberfoot cover is used on a smooth surface.
 7. The cyber foot coveraccording to claim 1 characterized in that the cyber foot cover furthercomprises the one or more sensors.
 8. The cyber foot cover according toclaim 7 characterized in that the one or more sensors comprise at leastone of one or more proximity sensors, load sensors, position sensors,acceleration sensors, gyrometers, magnetic sensors, and optical sensors.9. The cyber foot cover according to claim 8 characterized in that atleast one of the one or more sensors comprises at least one of anoptical sensor and a position sensor arranged on or externally to thecyber foot cover, and wherein the at least one of an optical sensor anda position sensor is configured to detect rotary movements of the footaround the person's longitudinal axis.
 10. The cyber foot coveraccording to claim 8 characterized in that at least one of the one ormore sensors comprises at least one of a pressure sensor and a proximitysensor, and wherein the at least one of a pressure sensor and aproximity sensor is arranged in the cyber foot cover so as to determinewhether the person using the system wants to move forward, backward,laterally, rotate or to walk along a curve.
 11. The cyber foot coveraccording to claim 10 characterized in that the at least one of apressure sensor and a proximity sensor is arranged in a longitudinaldirection in a front region of the sole.
 12. The cyber foot coveraccording to claim 11 characterized in that the at least one of apressure sensor and a proximity sensor is arranged in a region of thesole which, when the person using the system wears the cyber foot cover,is located in an area of the ball of the person's foot.
 13. The cyberfoot cover according to claim 8 characterized in that at least one ofthe one or more sensors comprises a load sensor, and wherein the loadsensor is configured to determine a load applied through the sole to theground.
 14. A system for detecting movements of a person using thesystem and transforming the movements into a virtual space, comprising:at least one cyber foot cover according to claim 1, wherein the systemis adapted to convert the movement of the foot detected by the one ormore sensors of the at least one cyber foot cover into a synchronous,direction-identical and speed-identical locomotion of a virtual avatarin the virtual space.
 15. The system according to claim 14 characterizedin that the system is further configured to break down the movement ofthe foot of the person using the system as detected by the sensors, intoat least an X component and a Y component, wherein an X componentsubstantially corresponds to a lateral movement of the foot, and whereina Y component substantially corresponds to a forward/backward motion.16. The system according to claim 14 characterized in that a curvatureof the sole in at least one of a longitudinal or transverse direction isadapted to match a design of a seat on which the person using the systemcan sit, such that a smooth rolling motion of the foot when moving theleg is provided and stability of the person is achieved by an elevatedsitting position.
 17. The system according to claim 16 characterized inthat the system further comprises the seat having a support memberadapted in that: a seat element, on which the person using the systemcan sit, is attachable to an upper part of the support member, and aload of the seat element is received substantially along a verticallyarranged longitudinal axis of the support member and transferreddownwards to a ground, wherein the seat is rotatably arranged relativeto the ground, and wherein the seat is configured to allow at least amovement of legs of the person using the system from a knee of theperson using the system to a distal end of the legs of the person usingthe system.
 18. The system according to claim 17 characterized in thatthe seat is adapted to provide the elevated sitting position of theperson and thereby establish a feeling of walking when moving the leg ofthe person even though the person is sitting with a slight angulation ofthe leg.
 19. The system according to claim 16 characterized in that thesystem further comprises a seat element, wherein the seat element isshaped such that an upper thigh of the person using the systemsubstantially does not rest on the seat element.